Losing Our Confidence and Our Testimony.
Taking offense can lead to a loss of confidence, testimony, and fruit, hindering the supernatural working of God in our lives and community.
Gareth Evans preaches on the dangers of taking offense, using the examples of Judas and Peter to illustrate how offense can lead to betrayal, loss of confidence, and a hindrance in experiencing God's supernatural work. Judas, offended by the 'waste' of perfume on Jesus, eventually betrayed Him due to his hidden motives. Peter, in his offense, denied Jesus three times, losing his testimony. Offense not only affects individuals but can also impact Christian leaders and the community, causing bitterness and hindering spiritual growth.
Text
One day a woman came into the house where Jesus was resting. She was carrying an expensive vase of perfume which she broke open to pour the contents upon His head. She wished to bless Him with this anointing but the disciples, especially Judas, were offended when they saw what she had done.
"Why this waste?" they exclaimed. "Couldn't this perfume have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor?"
The apostle John tells us that Judas wasn't really concerned about the poor but was offended because he was a thief and wanted to take advantage of any money which might have come into the disciples' hands. (John 12:6)
This was the catalyst that finally made him go out to the chief priests, the enemies of Jesus, in order to betray his master. Maybe he wanted to force His hand to bring about the kingdom of heaven which He had promised. Maybe things were moving too slowly for Judas. Whatever he was thinking, his offence prodded him into action.
He had lost confidence in the Lord and his offence had magnified this to the point of betrayal!
Be sure, another fruit of being offended is a loss of confidence, leading to betrayal.
How often Christian leaders have been put out of office because someone took offence at something they said or did!
Later, in the same chapter of Matthew's gospel, chapter 26, we read that Jesus warns His disciples that many will be offended because of Him this very night, as He will be taken by the chief priests and scribes to be beaten and crucified. Peter vehemently protests that he will never be offended, even if everyone else is.
How he must have regretted those words just a few hours later. He had managed to enter the kitchen of Pilate's home where Jesus was being tried. There a young maid had recognised him as one of Jesus' followers. Maybe she wanted to know more about the Lord but Peter was offended as Jesus had prophesied, and he swore that there was no relationship between him and this criminal being tried!
He repeated this denial two more times before he heard the cock crow and realised how his offence had cost him his testimony.
Taking offence can cause us to lose our fruit, our confidence and our testimony. It also hinders us in experiencing the supernatural working of God in our lives and community. The result of being offended can be very bitter!
Sermon Outline
- The Catalyst for Betrayal
- The woman's anointing of Jesus
- The disciples' offense and Judas' true intentions
- The consequences of Judas' offense: betrayal
Key Quotes
“He had lost confidence in the Lord and his offence had magnified this to the point of betrayal!” — Gareth Evans
“Taking offence can cause us to lose our fruit, our confidence and our testimony.” — Gareth Evans
“The result of being offended can be very bitter!” — Gareth Evans
Application Points
- Be aware of the root cause of taking offense and seek to restore your confidence in God.
- Recognize the consequences of being offended and take steps to regain your testimony.
- Seek to experience the supernatural working of God in your life and community by letting go of offense.